Monash University Malaysia and Curtin University Sarawak Malaysia have warned their students that action could be taken against them for participating in "illegal gatherings".

Students from both institutions have informed Malaysiakini that the notices were received through email over the past two days. 

"You are advised not to participate in any illegal gathering/related activity which contravenes Malaysian laws.

"Any student found to be participating in such gathering/activity or who is arrested by authorities for doing so may be subjected to disciplinary proceedings," said the Monash University registrar Susheela Nair in the email.

The email did not specify any gatherings, but stated there had been numerous "illegal gatherings... without approvals from the authorities" recently.

In the case of Curtin University, the email notice was written in a similar tone, but added that the Higher Education Ministry had issued a circular warning students against participating in "illegal gatherings". 

Deputy pro vice-chancellor Beena Giridharan said "appropriate action" would be taken against any students involved in activities defamatory to the university.

At the time of writing, both institutions have yet to respond to request for comments. 

Impinging rights of students

Some Monash University Malaysia students were taken aback by the warning.

"I was surprised because Monash has always been outspoken about human rights and equality.

"I didn't expect them to caution us against gatherings which fight for our basic democratic rights," one student told Malaysiakini on condition of anonymity.

Yesterday, University Kebangsaan Malaysia suspended student Asheeq Ali for participation in the Tangkap MO1 rally in Kuala Lumpur in August.

The Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 did away for the need for police permits for gatherings.

However, organisers needed to give 10 days' notice to venue owners and the authorities.

Bersih said it would adhere to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall's decision to bar it from gathering at Dataran Merdeka, and would gather near the historical square instead.

The rally is to demand for clean elections, clean government, empowerment of Sabah and Sarawak, the strengthening of Parliament and the right to dissent.

The red-shirts anti-Bersih group said it would hound the electoral watchdog wherever they might gather.

Police said it is prepared for possible clashes and will use its latest crowd control weapon - pepperballs - if need be, in accordance to the law.

National Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) said the right to peacefully assemble is protected under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.

However, its chairperson Razali Ismail said those holding counter-rallies to "intimidate" others from peacefully assembling are not protected under the Federal Constitution.